Although the second generation iPad isn't likely to debut for several more months, a steady stream of reports about the iPad 2 continues to keep the forthcoming Apple tablet refresh in the forefront of tech news. On Tuesday, word broke that the iPad 2 will join Wi-Fi-only and UMTS models with a new (Verizon-compatible) CDMA version.

From DigiTimes:

Apple is expected to release three versions of iPad 2, supporting either or a combination of Wi-Fi, UMTS and CDMA, for 2011 with mass production to start as early as the later half of January. Apple will ship about 500,000-530,000 units to channels in January with shipment ratio of Wi-Fi, UMTS and CDMA models at 3:4:3

Despite the seemingly incredulous reaction to the report by many, news of a Verizon-friendly iPad shouldn't surprise anyone given Apple's already established relationship with Verizon with regard to the tablet. While similar reports of a forthcoming Verizon iPhone continue to be viewed as a pipe-dream by many (if not most), Apple working closely with Verizon to expand the iPad's reach now appears to be more of an inevitability rather than just a possibility.

The sources cited in the DigiTimes report indicate that iPad shipments in 2011 "will reach 40 million units," a figure that will account for approximately 65-75% of the entire global tablet PC market.

I still see kinda pointless the non wifi version, since most of the ipad owners have an iphone or smartphone capable of tethering, it just don't see the reason to spend extra 30 a month for data... on the other side (now that I think about it) TONS of people are not tech oriented to even know that tethering exist.

I still see kinda pointless the non wifi version, since most of the ipad owners have an iphone or smartphone capable of tethering, it just don't see the reason to spend extra 30 a month for data... on the other side (now that I think about it) TONS of people are not tech oriented to even know that tethering exist.

This is very true. The only thing bad about tethering is it eats your iPhone's battery like candy. Not a problem if you plug it in and tether like most smart people do.

This is very true. The only thing bad about tethering is it eats your iPhone's battery like candy. Not a problem if you plug it in and tether like most smart people do.

I dont own a ipad but just curious looking to purchase the ipad 2 and terher via my phone, curious though is there lag and is internet connection slow vs say if you were paying for a 3G plan? Or is it pretty much the same?

I dont own a ipad but just curious looking to purchase the ipad 2 and terher via my phone, curious though is there lag and is internet connection slow vs say if you were paying for a 3G plan? Or is it pretty much the same?

Just depends on your connection. If you're with AT&T and you're paying for a data plan you also have to pay another $20 for tethering, I believe its the same with Verizon, it sucks! Obviously its nice to not have to have your phone with you everywhere if you want to connect via tethering; plus, as mentioned above it drains your battery. Just comes down to what you prefer.

I dont own a ipad but just curious looking to purchase the ipad 2 and terher via my phone, curious though is there lag and is internet connection slow vs say if you were paying for a 3G plan? Or is it pretty much the same?

I use mywi on my iPhone 4 to share internet on my computer And i got a letter from AT&T saying We have notice that u use more than 20 Gbites mostly we recommend u to use ur wifi Internet at home or u can use our wife hotspots lol that's y I pay AT&T unlimited data plan now they r complaining I used alot of data lol

I use mywi on my iPhone 4 to share internet on my computer And i got a letter from AT&T saying We have notice that u use more than 20 Gbites mostly we recommend u to use ur wifi Internet at home or u can use our wife hotspots lol that's y I pay AT&T unlimited data plan now they r complaining I used alot of data lol

excuse me but how the hell do you download 20gb on 3G? what do you leave torrents on all day/night?

excuse me but how the hell do you download 20gb on 3G? what do you leave torrents on all day/night?

I don't even use torrent tho since I jailbreaked my iPhone with limera1n I have uploaded 12.88 GB and downloaded 102 GB just using like a Normal person does uploading videos on YouTube downloading games n themes there is a toggle on cydia called data usege tells u hom much data u have used

I wish Apple would just give all carriers, the ability and support to sell the iPhone and iPad...it would be a WIN WIN!! Apple would maintain control over the device and the carrier controls the plan. Too simple right...of course it is...!! GREED, manipulation, control, ego...the list could go on. I love Apple and all of my Apple devices. I would like to see apple "relax" a bit and give the consumer what it has been begging for! Sell the iPhone unlocked for $600 in America, make it available on all carriers, give us the excellent Apple support we've grown to love and call it a day. Apple is the 3rd largest phone manufacturer last i checked (on one carrier in the U.S.) if they were on even one more, they could be 1st....time will tell :]

Just depends on your connection. If you're with AT&T and you're paying for a data plan you also have to pay another $20 for tethering, I believe its the same with Verizon, it sucks! Obviously its nice to not have to have your phone with you everywhere if you want to connect via tethering; plus, as mentioned above it drains your battery. Just comes down to what you prefer.

The difference is rather insignificant. My mom bought my dad the 3G model for his birthday last year (despite my constant instruction to get the wifi version... salesmen love her) and he had a data plan for a couple of months until I explained the benefits of jailbreaking his iPhone and just tethering. He said he noticed a very slight decrease in speed, but that he would never noticed it had he gotten the wifi model to begin with.

I still see kinda pointless the non wifi version, since most of the ipad owners have an iphone or smartphone capable of tethering, it just don't see the reason to spend extra 30 a month for data... on the other side (now that I think about it) TONS of people are not tech oriented to even know that tethering exist.